Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Road Traffic Regulations to allow cash in transit vans to use bus lanes for security reasons and in view of the limited number of vehicles involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. Regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business. My Department is also currently considering the issue of access by motorcylists to bus lanes on the grounds of safety.

Many representations have been made to my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes in relation to a wide range of other road users including cash in transit vans. A review of the access issue was carried in consultation with the relevant agencies that took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access. The result of that review was to maintain the existing position with regard to access. That remains the current position.